I hope I’m not being annoying, but I’m here again with my plaintive bleat, wondering if anyone has heard any rumors about Oticon Intents with disposable/replaceable batteries. My audi had originally guessed, based on past patterns, that they might be released in August.
Thanks!
Hi Seaduck, I think from other posts that you’ve said you’re often on the sea?
Like you I’m keen to find out about Intents with disposable batteries - I’m a sea kayaker and can’t rely on rechargeable batteries for my HAs.
I’m starting to wonder if they will ever be produced with disposable batteries - but on what basis did your audiologist suggest that they might be incoming? I currently wear Oticon Engage HAs which are NHS supplied here in the UK. But I’m very keen to see whether DNN tech can truly ‘understand’ the wearer intention in complex, and varied listening environments.
See if you can get the new Oticon Optim from the NHS.
It’s another supplied NHS Aid, the Optim but better technology.
Also I’m just reading this, “Oticon have made the same mistake that Phonak did with their Lumity family of hearing aids a couple of years back and solely released it as a rechargeable hearing aid. Phonak realised the error of their ways and followed up with a disposable battery version, and I’m sure Oticon will do the same at some point in the near future. But for now, if you want an Oticon Intent, you don’t have the option of a disposable battery.”
Here: Oticon Intent hearing aids review: The pros & cons | Harley Street Hearing
So if Phonak realised the limitation of the fixed L-ion battery… Hopefully.
Hi Karina – My recollection is that my audi’s August prediction was based on rumors he was hearing at the time – which were probably simply based on previous release patterns.
I met with him a week or so ago. He has talked to Oticon and there are no updates – and nothing in the rumor mill.
I’m feeling well and truly stuck. My HAs are 7 years old; my receiver/custom mold failed a few weeks ago and had to be sent back for repair – which took a couple of weeks. My audi fitted me with a temp dome, which was pretty much useless given my degree of loss. The other HA has hiccuped a couple of times, so I’m worried about that one too.
I’ve decided to go for the new Phonak Spheres – should arrive next week. Rechargeables, unfortunately. I guess my backup position is to have the Oticons serviced and carry them with me (with 312 batts) when I’m cruising or at conferences. Maybe get an extra charger.
These companies are either not listening or not hearing. So to speak.
Thanks Seaduck and Zebras.
I hear you!
Even if the companies don’t!
Do you know much about the Optim’s tech spec?
Would it be these ones on the NHS?
I’m going to head up to my audiology dept tomorrow to discuss.
I work in performing arts as a technician and would dearly love to be able to tweak my HAs for different work situations. I’m guessing that even with the Optims that’s unlikely to be possible.
But I am very interested in how DNN tech plays out in practice though not sure if these have that on board.
I’m not the one to ask re the specs, and it sounds as tho’ the NHS offerings are branded differently from those available in the US.
You might ask about the Phonak Spheres, given your work situation. My impression, confirmed by my audi, is that Phonak offers more programs than Oticon. I believe that the phone app also offers more customization than Oticon.
At which point – assuming all that is true – you’ll face the same decison-making quandry I did!
I would just like to say, that a) there is a smart charger that can charge up to 5-7 days and b) that you can also charge this charger with a power bank.
So even if you were out for days with no charging possibility (I think you have a power bank because of your smartphone) you will be able to keep your hearing aids running.
I think they had no choice. The new processors consume a lot of power, and the life of disposable batteries with them will be very short.